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A Tale of a Whale for Valentine’s Day

On Valentine’s Day in 2011, Michael Fishback (yes, that’s his real name – how appropriate!), along with his family and a few friends were presented with a rare opportunity — a chance to save the life of a humpback whale. This video tells the story…

Some conclude that the whale is showing her appreciation by staying close by and sharing the joy she feels in her newfound freedom. Others say such conclusions anthropomorphize the whale’s behavior. What do you think? (please share in the comments section below)

Following is a show from Radio Lab that speaks to some of the questions we have about the emotional life and language of animals, as well as interspecies connections.

When we gaze into the eyes of a wild animal, or even a beloved pet, can we ever really know what they might be thinking? Is it naive to assume they’re experiencing something close to human emotions? Or is it ridiculous to assume that they AREN’T feeling something like that? We get the story of a rescued whale that may have found a way to say thanks, ask whether dogs feel guilt, and wonder if a successful predator may have fallen in love with a photographer...

Do you have stories which point to animals expressing gratitude? Please share in the reflection area below…we look forward to hearing from you…gratefully!

This video is truly heartwarming, Yes, I too, believe this was a big show of thanks, and relief at being able to breathe and be free to live. If we think about this for just a second. Animals teach us so much about love, compassion, thanks. If you have ever rescued a dog, or cat, we have many times, and their sheer love and joy to whomever rescues them is nothing but delight, You will never find a truer love.. Thank you for shaing this, it renews our spirit in our human race.

I had seen this video before and it is just as powerful and heartwarming the second time. I know that looking into the eyes of a deer crossing the property, a feral cat blinking and coming close for food, a coyote in the distance prowling a neighborhood that was once undeveloped land or into the eyes of an injured bird resting in my hand until it is ready to take off, I come in contact with the sacred life force that runs through us all. In that moment, peace enters my heart and I am strengthene...

I had seen this video before and it is just as powerful and heartwarming the second time. I know that looking into the eyes of a deer crossing the property, a feral cat blinking and coming close for food, a coyote in the distance prowling a neighborhood that was once undeveloped land or into the eyes of an injured bird resting in my hand until it is ready to take off, I come in contact with the sacred life force that runs through us all. In that moment, peace enters my heart and I am strengthened knowing that my journey to embody the divine and angelic in my being is still going on.

The plight of the world's whales is deeply, deeply affecting to me. And so I tearfully celebrate the rescue of the humpback seen in the video as well as the rescue of another humpback as recounted in the Radiolab episode. (I must say that the miracle of these two stories rests with me as I recall the recent report of a Canadian fisherman who was tragically killed in the process of disentangling an endangered right whale.) But what to make of the unexpected actions of these two humpback whales...

The plight of the world’s whales is deeply, deeply affecting to me. And so I tearfully celebrate the rescue of the humpback seen in the video as well as the rescue of another humpback as recounted in the Radiolab episode. (I must say that the miracle of these two stories rests with me as I recall the recent report of a Canadian fisherman who was tragically killed in the process of disentangling an endangered right whale.) But what to make of the unexpected actions of these two humpback whales, once freed? Were they feeling and expressing gratitude toward their rescuers? Who am I to say for sure? But I choose to live in a world where this is possible.

Thank you for this beautiful, ambiguous question, which I continue to turn over and over in my mind.

Since you asked for a story, I am reminded of an experience I had last summer. Every morning I would rise well before dawn and refill the two hummingbird feeders, one each hanging under the eave of the front and back porch. And I spent a lot of time sitting on the porches enjoying the bright company of ruby-throated hummingbirds. At the height of the season, there could be up to eight adult and juvenile hummers weaving in and out and around the feeders. Sometimes the feeders would be drained of sugar water by late afternoon. It was common, then, for a hummer to pointedly hover facing me at eye level just an arm’s length away, in order (I came to believe) to draw my attention to the feeder, which at those times would invariably be empty. And they would wait watchfully on the nearby clothes line or in the spruce tree until I emerged from the house with a clean, refilled feeder, swooping in to drink while I was still reaching up to hang it. A few times, one even hovered directly in front of the kitchen window as I was washing dishes, as if to summon me outside. But there was one particular adult female who visited me several times mid-morning when the feeders were full. As I sat in the porch swing, she hovered just inches from my face and then began swinging back and forth like a pendulum, never breaking eye contact. The last time this happened, she ended the display by perching for a moment right next to my shoulder on the metal chain from which the swing was suspended, making soft twittery noises. I was fully enchanted by this experience and could only think at the time that she was saying ‘thank you.’

Amazing! Thanks for sharing this tale of dedication and cooperation from two different species. No matter the emotions or thoughts the whale may have had it was part of and connected to this experience.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful experience !
One day in my old farmhouse a little, very ill cat appeared , went into my bed and stayed there. She was in a terrible state, heavily injured and obviously looking for a safe place to be... The next morning I took her to the vet and since there was no way to cure he had to end her life. Coming out of the practice, out of a blue sky, came a little white feather flying down to me and I was sure that the little cat said thank you. This is also a t...

Thank you for sharing this beautiful experience !
One day in my old farmhouse a little, very ill cat appeared , went into my bed and stayed there. She was in a terrible state, heavily injured and obviously looking for a safe place to be… The next morning I took her to the vet and since there was no way to cure he had to end her life. Coming out of the practice, out of a blue sky, came a little white feather flying down to me and I was sure that the little cat said thank you. This is also a thank you to her that she had trust in me.

Wow! I could sense everything through this video: the anguish of the whale when it was caught in the net, you could tell it knew the people were trying to help her and the pure joy and appreciation when it was finally free! That is the joy and appreciation we should all have for this precious life! What deep and tender care from all the people who saved her! Thank-you for sharing this, it is so heart-warming and beautiful!
Blessings to all, Sheila 💖

It’s starting with a sadness with what happened to the whale, but the end is a Happy Ending for the whale and for the rescuer, Michael Fishback and friend and family. Thank you Michael Fishback and the group, for the great effort and for sharing your experience. Love!